We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zixiao Ye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zixiao below.
Zixiao, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing confidence and self-esteem is crucial, particularly for musicians and artists. Here are some strategies that have been instrumental in my journey: self-understanding is key, as understanding my strengths, weaknesses, and values has provided a solid foundation for building confidence. Setting attainable goals, both short-term and long-term, has empowered me to track my progress and celebrate achievements, enhancing my self-esteem. Adopting a growth mindset has shifted my perspective on challenges, viewing them as opportunities for personal and artistic development rather than roadblocks.
Secondly, surrounding myself with supportive individuals who uplift and encourage me has been invaluable in supporting my confidence during difficult times. Learning to recognize and disregard toxic feedback and negative influences has safeguarded my self-esteem, allowing me to focus on my musical journey without unreasonable distractions. Having firm confidence in my abilities and the dedication I pour into my work has enabled me to defend my artistic vision with conviction. While maintaining confidence in my work, I remain receptive to constructive criticism from trusted sources, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a critique of my worth. Practicing humility involves acknowledging that there is always room for improvement and embracing opportunities to learn from others, fostering personal and artistic growth.
Prioritizing my physical and mental well-being through self-care activities ensures that I am equipped to face challenges and setbacks with resilience and positivity. Actively seeking opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge base through workshops, master classes, and collaborations fuels my artistic growth and reinforces my confidence in my abilities. Building confidence and self-esteem is an ongoing journey, and each step forward brings me closer to realizing my full potential as a musician.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Certainly. I’m Zixiao “Sean” Ye, a classically trained pianist and composer originally from China, now residing in the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee. Music has been my guiding passion from an early age, and I’ve dedicated years to mastering the piano and composing music that resonates deeply with listeners.
My latest album, “Silver Lining,” is a heartfelt exploration of the theme of anti-war, infused with messages of hope and unity. Each composition reflects my belief in the transformative power of music to inspire positive change in the world. I’m honored that “Silver Lining” recently received the Gold Award for both Best New Age Album and Best Composer category at the esteemed LIT Music Awards, a recognition that underscores the album’s resonance with audiences.
Beyond composing, I’m deeply committed to sharing my musical knowledge and passion with others. As a piano teacher, I have the privilege of nurturing the talents of aspiring musicians and guiding them on their own creative journeys. Witnessing their growth and seeing the joy that music brings them is immensely fulfilling.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Hard Work: Throughout my journey as a musician, I’ve found that hard work is absolutely essential for success. Countless hours spent practicing, refining technique, and exploring new musical ideas have been the foundation of my growth and development. Whether it’s mastering a challenging piece, composing original music, or preparing for performances, I’ve learned that consistent effort and dedication are key to achieving my musical goals. Without putting in the hard work, I wouldn’t have been able to overcome obstacles or push my boundaries.
Humility: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a musician is the value of humility. Despite any achievements or recognition I’ve received, I’ve always remained humble and open to learning from others. Whether it’s receiving constructive feedback from mentors, collaborating with fellow musicians, or simply acknowledging that there’s always more to learn, humility has been a guiding principle in my musical journey. It’s allowed me to approach my music with a sense of curiosity and receptivity, fostering personal and artistic growth while maintaining a deep respect for the art form and those who contribute to it.
Authenticity: Trusting my musical instincts and staying true to myself have been vital aspects of my journey as a musician. Despite external pressures or opinions, I’ve remained steadfast in my artistic vision and beliefs. Embracing my perspective, I’ve allowed my intuition to guide me in creating music that resonates deeply with me. By staying authentic to who I am and what I stand for, I’ve been able to forge a genuine connection with my music and audiences alike.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I’m constantly on the lookout for talented musicians to collaborate with. There’s something truly magical about the synergy and creativity that arises during collaborative efforts. While I have a deep appreciation for various musical genres, my specialization lies outside of electronic music. That’s why I’m particularly excited about the prospect of collaborating with DJs/producers who excel in the realm of electronic music. Additionally, I’m open to exploring remixes of my existing pieces, as I’m eager to see how they can be reimagined and infused with new energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zixiaoyepiano.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPXUHrnUXtOwqgUwT75f1-w
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q1c2MgPioJ1U8fmTBmMGW?si=fjfkcI8eQ42-
